Recreational Observation

Toured between 2000' and 5500' on NE, E and S slopes.

Jan. 11, 2017, 10 a.m. PST

Weather: At 1015, 5500', few clouds, air temp -10 C, wind light from south, boot pen 40cm, with 100cm of snow on the ground.

Snowpack: Shallow and variable along the route. HS ranged from 40cm to 100cm. Evidence of windloading from north during last week wind event. At 5300' saw HS: 80cm, from surface had 10cm PP F hard, over 20 cm FC 4F -> 1F, and FC 1F->P to ground. Solar aspects had one or more crusts down 10-40cm. Lower elevations had boot pen to ground. Ski quality was good. Could feel sun starting to warm surface snow so quality may not last.

Area Description: Icicle Creek

Avalanches: At 5300' on SE 38 deg slope had a collapse and a crack encircle me about 8m away. Little to no displacement due to slope support. Failure was at a facet / crust combo down 35cm. Hand shears slid very easily on this. This combo did not appear widespread as the crust went away on less steep or less solar slopes.
Saw numerous older D1 slabs on steep S slopes which appeared to be from last wind event or recent storm snow. Debris was covered.